Lal Ded is the solution for Kashmir: Pushpendra Singh

Laila aur Satt Geet, your second feature at the Berlinale after Lajwanti, is epic, poetic, contemporary and political. How did the script evolve?A. My scripts are usually only an idea. I work with people, and change things along the way. In fact, Laila aur Satt Geet was the first film I wanted to make. It is based on Vijaydan Detha's story Kenchuli, drawn from a folk tale. I belong to Rajasthan's Gujjar community, which is linked to the nomadic Gurjars and Bakarwals in Kashmir. They are associated with militancy, but I found them to be hard-working and kind. I thought I could adapt the folk tale to Kashmir well.Q. Kashmir is a hotbed of socio-political issues. How did you decide what would lend itself to a fable?A. I could connect the feudalism of Detha's story to Kashmir. So, for me, Kashmir is Laila, the Indian state is the policeman, and the Kashmiri mainstream politician is the security guard. They act as if they are playing a game. For instance, when Mehbooba Mufti formed a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party, they both pretended to be naïve. Also, Kashmiris suffer from the Stockholm Syndrome. Sometimes, they are pro-India, at other times, pro-separatist. They say the Indian State is luring them, or that the Indian security is forcing them. This seemed like a folk parable..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}Q. Your film also gives the 14th century Kashmiri mystic Lal Ded a contemporary relevance. What drew you to Lal Ded?A. I've been fascinated by the Kabir and other mystic movements since my Film and Television Institute of India days. Lal Ded is the solution for Kashmir. The Bakarwals, who have suffered the most from boundaries, discuss her. They are nomads who have travelled to Afghanistan and Tajikistan; their music and dress reflect these influences. In Laila aur satt geet, Pushpendra Singh has focussed on Kashmir's nomadic Bakarwal community. Published By: Mukesh RawatPublished On: Feb 21, 2020--- ENDS ---

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Lal Ded is the solution for Kashmir: Pushpendra Singh

Pushpendra Singh, director of Laila aur Satt Geet, showing at the Berlin Film Festival, was inspired by a folk tale for this feminist allegory about a Kashmiri shepherdess. Excerpts from an interview:

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